Elena Rossi
Artists have a variety of options to upload digital files of their paintings. This is a crucial skill to learn for artists who want to sell their work online. There are several ways to digitize artwork, including scanning and photographing. Scanning is a preferred method for artists who sell their work on large products as it provides the highest quality file. However, photographing artwork is a more popular method due to its convenience and ability to capture depth and texture. Once the digital file is obtained, artists can upload their work to various platforms, such as Saatchi Art and Artwork Archive, by following specific guidelines and providing necessary information. Digitization allows artists to reproduce their work, experiment with images, and create unique products.
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What You'll Learn
Digitising artwork: scanning vs. photographing
Digitising artwork is a key skill for artists to learn, especially if they want to sell their work online. There are two main ways to digitise your artwork: scanning and photographing.
Scanning
Scanning your artwork is a good option if you want more control over the resolution of the final output. Scanners use consistent, even lighting, which avoids patchy or shadowy areas. Flatbed scanners, in particular, eliminate lens distortion, giving your images straight lines. Most scanners for home use will go up to A4 size, whereas professional scanners will go up to A3. Scanners larger than this are hard to find. If you are planning on scanning your artwork regularly, it might be worth investing in a good-quality scanner.
Photographing
Photographing your artwork is a good option if you are dealing with large paintings. It is also a good option if you are working with 3D objects, such as sculptures or installations. However, photographing artwork requires appropriate camera equipment, such as a tripod, camera, sharp lens, and lighting. It may also require some skill behind the camera to achieve proper colour balance. If you are using a digital camera, it is easier to check your images as you go.
Tips for Digitising Artwork
- Lighting is important, whether you are scanning or photographing your artwork. Natural, diffused light is best, such as outside on an overcast day or near a window with opaque blinds. Bright sunlight should be avoided as it creates harsh shadows and glare.
- If you are scanning your artwork, always clean the glass first! You might not notice a smudge until you have scanned several images, which could waste a lot of time in the post-production phase.
- If you are photographing your artwork, consider using a DSLR camera with a zoom lens to capture the details of your artwork.
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How to upload artwork to an artist studio
Uploading artwork to an artist studio is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare Your Artwork
Before you begin, ensure your artwork is in a digital format and meets the platform's requirements for upload. This includes having a high-resolution image file. If your artwork is not already digitised, you can scan or photograph it to create a digital file.
Step 2: Access Your Artist Studio
Log into your artist studio account. You can usually do this by clicking on an icon at the top of your navigation menu. This will take you to your Artworks Dashboard, where you can manage your uploads, sales, and other aspects of your artistic business.
Step 3: Upload Your Artwork
Click on the option to upload new artwork. You will be prompted to provide essential details about your artwork, such as its title, category (painting, photography, digital, etc.), year of creation, medium, materials used, and a short description. You may also be asked if you want to offer your artwork for sale and whether you want to provide it as prints.
Step 4: Provide Keywords
Select 5-12 keywords that best describe the key visual elements of your artwork, such as colour, subject matter, and artistic style. These keywords will help collectors find your artwork more easily, so choose simple and descriptive words.
Step 5: Finalise Your Upload
Review your artwork information and make any necessary edits. Once you are satisfied, click "Save & Exit" to create a draft of your artwork. This will not publish it immediately but will allow you to review and edit your artwork before finalising it. When you are ready, you can continue through the upload process and finalise your artwork upload.
Remember that each platform may have slightly different steps and requirements for uploading artwork, so always refer to their specific guidelines and tutorials for the most accurate instructions.
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Selecting categories, mediums, and materials
When it comes to selecting categories, mediums, and materials for your digital artwork, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, choose the category that best suits your artwork. Common categories include painting, photography, digital art, drawing, new media, sculpture, collage, printmaking, installation, and video. Consider whether your artwork falls into one of these categories or if it combines multiple categories.
Next, select the appropriate medium or media for your artwork. The medium refers to the materials and techniques used to create the artwork. Common mediums include oil paints, acrylics, watercolours, charcoal, pastels, and digital photography or editing software. Choose up to five mediums from the drop-down menu that apply to your artwork. If your artwork incorporates video, sound, computers, or electronics, be sure to mention this as well.
Additionally, specify the materials used in your artwork. Materials refer to the physical substances or tools employed in the creative process. For instance, if your medium is oil painting, your materials could include linen canvas and linseed oil. If you work with digital art, your materials might be a computer, specific software, and a graphics tablet. Again, you can select up to five materials from the drop-down menu.
When providing this information, ensure that your descriptions are detailed and informative. Explain why you chose the specific medium, subject matter, and style. Providing insightful information about your creative process can enhance the collector's appreciation of your artwork.
Lastly, don't forget to include accurate dimensions and other relevant specifications. The dimensions should include the physical width, height, and depth of your artwork, along with the appropriate unit of measure (inches or centimetres). These details ensure that your artwork is presented accurately and can be properly exhibited or installed if needed.
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Choosing keywords and writing descriptions
Choosing the right keywords and writing effective descriptions are crucial steps in uploading digital files of paintings. These elements help your artwork gain visibility and attract the right collectors. Here are some instructive guidelines to help you through this process:
Choosing Keywords
When selecting keywords, it's important to use simple and descriptive terms that highlight the key visual elements of your painting, such as colour, subject matter, and artistic style. Think about the words a collector or curator might use when searching for artwork similar to yours. You can refer to a thesaurus to find strong synonyms and diversify your keywords. For instance, use "figurative" instead of "portrait", "nature" instead of "landscape", or "body" instead of "nude". Avoid using overly descriptive terms or your name/pseudonym in every set of keywords. Additionally, be mindful of the number of keywords required by the platform, which is usually around 5 to 12.
Writing Descriptions
The description of your artwork should be concise, informative, and engaging. Aim for a length of around 150 to 200 words, covering the vital information, history, and inspiration behind your painting. Include the artistic process, techniques, and materials used. For instance, mention whether it's a digital painting, an oil painting, or a watercolour, and the specific tools and media employed.
Provide physical details such as texture and dimensions, and indicate whether hanging hardware is included. Address questions like: What inspired this piece? What emotions or thoughts do you want viewers to experience? Why did you choose this particular medium, subject matter, and style? Remember that your description may reach a diverse audience, from art enthusiasts to novices, so maintain a neutral and friendly tone that is easy for everyone to understand.
Best Practices
Avoid using the same description and keywords for similar artworks, as this limits your visibility. Adapt your descriptions when uploading a series of works to highlight the unique qualities of each piece. Ensure your keywords are relevant to your artwork, as search engines may penalise you for incorrect or spammy metadata tags. Finally, consider the direction of the art market and the subjects that are in demand. This can guide your creative process and increase the chances of your artwork being found and purchased.
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Selling your artwork
Digitise your Artwork
Firstly, if you haven't already, you will need to turn your analogue artwork into a digital file. This is essential if you want to sell your artwork online. You can do this by scanning your artwork or photographing it. Scanning will give you a higher-quality file, but photographing with a camera or phone is also a viable option.
Build an Online Presence
In the modern market, having an online presence is crucial for artists. This can be achieved through a variety of means, including building your own website, using social media, blogging, and email marketing. Cory Huff's book, *How to Sell Your Art Online*, is a highly recommended resource for artists looking to establish themselves online and connect with collectors.
Choose an Online Art Platform
There are numerous online art platforms available that can help you sell your artwork. These include Fine Art America, Saatchi Art, and print-on-demand sites like Society6 and Redbubble. These platforms provide a global marketplace and sales and marketing tools to help you reach buyers worldwide.
Understand the Logistics
When selling your artwork online, it's important to familiarise yourself with the practical considerations. This includes researching tax requirements, obtaining a resale tax certificate if necessary, and deciding on your pricing strategy. It is also worth considering whether you will offer original artwork or prints, or both.
Engage with your Audience
Collectors tend to appreciate artwork more when they understand the story behind it. Take time to write informative descriptions of your artwork, including the inspiration, medium, and any unique qualities. Engaging with your audience through blogs and social media can also help to build interest and attract potential buyers.
Display your Artwork Effectively
Whether you are displaying your artwork online or at a physical art show, it's important to present it in the best light. Ensure that your artwork is well-lit and photographed or scanned at high resolution. If exhibiting at an art show, consider investing in display panels or alternative methods to showcase your work effectively.
By following these steps and continuously refining your approach, you can successfully sell your artwork and establish yourself in the creative industry.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to digitise your artwork by either scanning it or photographing it. Then, upload the digital file to the platform of your choice. You may need to provide additional information, such as a title, description, keywords, and category.
Organise your artwork into groups based on size so that you don't have to keep adjusting the setup for each painting. Control the lighting and accurately set up your camera. If your artwork can be placed behind glass, do so to protect it and improve the quality of the photograph.
Scan your artwork at a higher quality, such as 300 dpi, so that you can easily copy and resize the file without losing detail.
